2025 Music Events in London

2025 seems like a year we won’t forget when it comes to live music shows. The year started off strong with Grammy Award-winning artist Leon Thomas selling out two shows at the intimate KOKO London venue. Despite being known for his TV career, his recent single, "MUTT," has become a social media favorite, propelling his fame even further. Watching the tickets disappear off my screen in real time was certainly a sight to behold. Failed attempts for me and many others meant that having a Leon Thomas ticket was like holding onto gold dust! The anticipation for his show was met with social media reviews pouring out admiration for what appeared to be a moving performance.

While tickets for his show felt like a Hunger Games simulation, February became even more eventful with the announcement of Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter Tour. The UK was in luck, as London was one of only two chosen European destinations. Witnessing her Renaissance World Tour back in 2023 was a valuable experience that, in my opinion, was worth every penny. The clear investments made into her choreography, stage production, and overall atmosphere made it only right for me to see her again! This shared sentiment led to increased demand, prompting Beyoncé to extend her UK stops to a total of six dates! With several popular shows on sale around the same time, Ticketmaster’s website struggled to handle the influx of traffic. Many of us experienced website crashes, errors, and blocked access (yes, I was one of those people). After 25 minutes of queuing and near misses, I was fortunate enough to purchase tickets for myself and my friends. Excitement is high, and talks of outfits are already underway. June can’t come soon enough!

Just when things couldn’t get any more intense, another tour announcement broke the internet—Kendrick Lamar and SZA. Amidst his feud with Canadian artist Drake, the well-known rapper not only won several Grammys but also released an album and performed at the Super Bowl. Shortly after, announcements were made extending his joint tour to Europe. This dynamic duo has fans on the edge of their seats, as they’re expected to perform twice at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in July. Both artists have strong individual fanbases, and their incredible synergy is something many of us can’t resist witnessing live. With SZA releasing the deluxe version of her "SOS" album, fans can expect to see fresh performances mixed with classic hits and, of course, the duo’s iconic collaborations (All The Stars, I’m looking at you!).

Switching gears a bit, another artist whose live events are the talk of the town is Pitbull. We all know Pitbull, a.k.a. Mr. Worldwide, and the pop hits he’s released over the years. Footage from his recent Party After Dark Tour has unexpectedly swept across platforms like TikTok, leaving many of us intrigued. The crowd at his shows is not just made up of die-hard fans, but also casual listeners looking to have a great time. Many videos show attendees dressed as Pitbull himself, complete with bald caps and shades. This humorous aspect has boosted sales even further, leading to the confirmation of an extra date to accommodate the demand. Alongside special guest Shaggy, attendees can expect a rave-like experience at his O2 Arena dates in June.

Lastly, we have an event that will be a first of its kind in London. SXSW (South by Southwest), an annual American event, is set to bring their conference to the capital on June 5th. The event aims not only to host cross-sector discussion panels but also to have a music festival accompanying it. Nigerian superstar Tems has been chosen to headline the inaugural show. Her recent international recognition has made her the face of Afro R&B and arguably part of Nigeria’s new “Big 3.” With hits like “Love Me Jeje” and “Essence,” her success is a testament to how much African music has grown in popularity. As one of my favorite artists, I had the chance to see her at All Points East last year. Her combination of live vocals and live band elements truly makes seeing Tems a valuable experience. Hopefully, headlining the June event will inspire emerging artists, which is the goal of the festival.

xoxo
Tracey Haagsma

please note we do not own the rights to any of these photos.

Starting as we mean to go on: Exploring Culinary Delights!

This month has been an exciting journey through the vibrant culinary scene of London, with two standout restaurants making waves in their respective neighbourhoods: Akub in Notting Hill and Cavita on Wignore Street.

Akub: A Taste of the Middle East in Notting Hill

Nestled in the heart of Notting Hill, Akub offers a unique dining experience that beautifully marries Mediterranean & Middle Eastern flavours that is Palestinian Cuisine. As soon as you enter, you’re greeted by a warm and inviting ambiance that sets the perfect tone for a delightful meal. The decor strikes a balance between chic and cozy, making it an ideal spot for both casual lunches and special dinners.

The menu at Akub is a celebration of fresh, seasonal ingredients. Each dish is crafted with care, showcasing the chef's commitment to quality and flavor. From the moment we started with the snacks, it was clear that this restaurant takes pride in its culinary roots.

One of the standout dishes was the monkfish, perfectly cooked. It was tender, flavourful, and I paired it beautifully with the fava. For dessert, the pistachio ice cream was a must and did not disappoint.

Akub is not just about food; the service is exceptional, with attentive staff who are knowledgeable about the menu and eager to make recommendations. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, Akub is a must-visit destination that encapsulates the essence of Palestinian dining.

Cavita: Modern Mexican Flavors on Wignore Street

Just a short stroll away on Wignore Street, Cavita brings a fresh perspective to Mexican cuisine. The restaurant boasts a vibrant and contemporary atmosphere, with colorful decor that reflects the rich culture of Mexico. It’s a place that invites you to indulge in a culinary adventure filled with bold flavors and innovative dishes

Cavita’s menu is a testament to the diversity of Mexican food, featuring both traditional favorites and modern interpretations. We started our meal with the HAMACHI TOSTADA & CRAB INFLADITA, made fresh to order. The balance of flavours was impeccable, and it set the tone for the rest of the meal

For the main course, the MOLE VERDE & CALABAZA A LA VIZCAINA were the highlights. The rich, complex sauce created a dish that was both comforting and sophisticated.

For dessert we tried 7 of their signature cocktails (we could not eat anymore) and our favourites were the Paloma & Golden Honey Bee. Their cocktails are not to be missed! It’s clear that Cavita is dedicated to providing an authentic yet innovative dining experience that delights the senses.

Take Away!

Both Akub and Cavita offer unique dining experiences that showcase the best of what their respective cuisines have to offer. Whether you’re in the mood for Palestinian delights or a lively Mexican feast, these restaurants are sure to impress. This month’s culinary adventures have certainly reminded us of the rich tapestry of flavours available in London’s ever-evolving food scene. Make sure to add these gems to your dining list!

Serenity Snapshot

As we say goodbye to 2025 and reflect on the year gone by, I am excited to share a glimpse into our journey at Serenity London.
2024 was filled with unforgettable moments, growth, and spectacular events that brought us closer to our cherished clients and partners. With that here is a little Serenity Snapshot…

2024 Industry Insights

The events and hospitality industry showcased remarkable resilience and innovation this year. As we reflect, popular cities for conferences has been both Limassol & Lisbon, while Italy has remained as the top country for weddings, capturing hearts with its romantic charm.

Our most requested destinations for weddings in 2024 were equally split between the stunning landscapes of Cyprus and the romantic allure of Greece. Interestingly, while we noticed a decline in requests for private chefs at home, there was a remarkable surge in private dining experiences, with inquiries for these gatherings surpassing those for traditional birthday party receptions.

Serenity Highlights

At Serenity, we celebrated a diverse range of weddings this year. Our smallest wedding was an intimate gathering of just 10 people, reflecting the growing trend towards micro-personalised celebrations. In contrast, our largest wedding brought together 240 guests, showcasing the joy of larger gatherings filled with love and laughter.

Our favourite venue of the year has to be the stunning Amara Hotel in Limassol, which provided a breathtaking backdrop for various events. Additionally, our preferred event space was the chic Sud Lisbon, where elegance and comfort blend seamlessly

Among the enchanting locations we explored, Cascais stood out as our favorite town, with its picturesque views and vibrant culture.
Looking ahead to 2025, we have our sights set on visiting Shanghai, a city bursting with potential and inspiration.

This year, our clients truly elevated their celebrations by investing in their flowers and decor, closely followed by entertainment and videography. It’s heartwarming to witness how much our clients value creating beautiful, memorable experiences

Additionally, we discovered three innovative companies developing wonderful and much-needed technologies for the events space, which we can't wait to share more about in a future blog. These trends highlight the evolving preferences of our clients and the dynamic nature of the events industry, setting the stage for an exciting year ahead.

Exciting Launches

We are thrilled to announce the launch of our exclusive venue directory, a curated collection of venues that exceeded our expectations. This directory is designed to assist those who cannot hire an event & wedding planner with finding the perfect setting for their next event, making the planning process more enjoyable and seamless.

Looking Ahead

As we embark on 2025, we are excited to unveil more engaging events for the Serenity community. Stay tuned for unique experiences that will inspire and connect us all.
We expect the trend of experiential events to continue to rise, with more couples and organisations seeking individualistic experiences that leave lasting memories.

In the spirit of goodwill and hope, we would like to leave you with a few words from the Bible: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).

May your 2025 be filled with creativity, joy, love, and of course Serenity.

xoxo
Team Serenity